Today in class we will discuss how to outline an essay and how to write thesis statements. We'll also focus on researching the points you'll need to consider as you begin researching your topic.
It will help us begin thinking about what, exactly, needs to go in an essay.
The OWL at Purdue University is an online resource for researching and formatting college papers. We'll look over it in more detail throughout the term.
Take a look at this sample essay outline:
1. Introduction
i. Hook, or Topic sentences
a. Function: Present subject of essay to audience and create context or support between the essay and the rest of the industry/issue
1. “The internet is the fastest way to communicate.”
2. Examples or other appealing or interesting facts or data… or perhaps a quote
ii. Sentences that bridge or connect part “a” to part “c”
iii. These sentences create detail and show relationships between ‘a’ and ‘c’.
iv. Thesis Statement (Opinion)
b. Statement of opinion that is worded as fact—you are the authority!
1. “Without the internet, it would be impossible to communicate with people on the other side of the world.
2. The internet enables communication between people who may never actually meet face-to-face.
2. Body
i. Issue #1
a. Topic sentence—transitions
ii. Overview of issue #1
a. advantages/disadvantages
b. examples
iii. Supporting research or details
a. Outside sources
b. Further details
c. Case studies
iv. Summary or Conclusion
a. Finalize your argument
b. Create a summary and address all points of the subject
v. Begin a transition into the next section or issue (repeat this format for each section or subject you address in the body.
3. Conclusion
1. Restate the Thesis
2. Explain how your research and argument prove the thesis to be correct
3. Answer the question “So what?”, keeping in mind why you wrote, and why you want someone to read your argument